"Stacy... I'm married."
"You're still young, we could..."
Stacy trailed off, embracing him from behind. Julian stood on the balcony, his back turned to the living room, staring into the night.
"I know. I know everything," she whispered.
"I've tried to forget you, but I can't. No one else even comes close."
"I'm not asking for much, just let me stay near you. Don't worry, I won't mess up your life."
Her voice quivered, her shoulders shaking as tears began to well.
Hearing her sobs, Julian's restraint finally snapped. He turned and crushed her against him in a tight embrace.
He gently wiped away her tears, his gaze lingering with an unspoken, heavy longing.
Perhaps emboldened by the night's intimacy, Stacy pressed her lips against his.
Julian didn't refuse. His gentle expression tu
